Wardrobe has always been an intricate detail tying characters and their stories together. On more than one occasion it has even served to tie characters to each other. This is particularly true for Shane and Oliver.

Typically impeccably coordinated, their wardrobe synchronicity in From The Heart found the pair just slightly out of sync, much like their relationship throughout the film, expertly reflecting their emotional states as well as emphasizing the extent of the growing distance between them, only resolved once their relational issues were addressed.

To best tell this story requires we first look at Shane and Oliver individually.

Shane

February 13

We first encounter Shane rocking a super sophisticated black and cream look that is reminiscent of Oliver's classic style adapted to our classically modern tech genius. And the look seems to fit, particularly given the nods to Oliver's grammar, Yoo Hoo consumption and even his sometimes accidental cynicism throughout this Valentine's eve.

February 14

As hope for Oliver's Valentine's Day invitation fades, so Shane fades back into her zippers, colors and modern prints.

February 15

Almost completely disconnected from Oliver from an emotional standpoint, Shane has fully retreated back into her trademark blue and leather accents from the early days of the series, acting as a visual armor to guard her from any further damage.

Oliver

February 13

Having created and mailed a handmade Valentine to Shane, Oliver seems particularly hopeful and chipper, and his blue suit seems to reflect that fact. Oliver's suit also carries a more modern vibe given it's plaid fabric and striped tie.

February 14

Awaiting Shane's response, Oliver's wardrobe took a more laid back appearance, though, if one looks carefully, can see his suit has a muted plaid pattern to it compared to the previous day. The blue hues remain, but his overall look is more classic and demure in nature.

February 15

Clearly hurting from Shane's apparent rejection, Oliver's wardrobe choices have him back in gray and blue solids from head to toe, even his pocket square is without pattern. Interestingly, though, it's crimson color could very well be a representation, of sorts, for his no doubt bleeding heart.

Together

As discussed in the pair's performance review, Shane and Oliver may have developed a nearly flawless working relationship, but at the same time still profoundly struggle with their non-working relationship. Even so, their wardrobe seemed to reflect a certain complimentary aspect towards the beginning of the film, only to falter as their misunderstanding created increasing distance between them.

Take, for instance, Oliver's more modern blue plaid suit and Shane's more classic black and cream look in the early minutes of From The Heart as an indication of how they have grown to adopt each others habits in both overt and, like through their wardrobe, more subtle ways.

A growing disconnect.

Yet as Shane and Oliver's relationship starts to deteriorate, they slowly fall out of sync, and, consequently, revert back to old wardrobe habits.

​On Valentine's Day, Oliver's suit is distinctly demure, and Shane is slipping back into her zippers, brighter colors and more modern prints.

​The pair shares a superficial, but waning, wardrobe connection through the blue hues each wear. An argument might even be made that Oliver's patterned pocket square and the pattern in Shane's blouse could connect the two, despite each of them being distinctly different in both pattern and color scheme.

By February 15, when feelings on both sides are particularly tenuous, each Shane and Oliver have not only reverted back to clothing habits of the early days, but seem to be at their most disconnected from a relational standpoint. The only real connection to be made between their wardrobe at this junction is the fact that Oliver's pocket square matches Shane's outerwear scarf, which we only see the connection to during those scenes in the church lobby.

Other than that, Shane is donning that electric blue dress with a black blazer, both of which include distinct leather trimmings of one kind or another, and Oliver is back to his distinct, but neutral, tones. The distance between the two couldn't be any more visually apparent.

The Resolution

Harmony in more ways than one.

With the resolution of their misunderstanding came a resolution of their wardrobe conundrum as well. Once clashing patterns and fading hues gave way to perfectly paired solids appropriate to each Shane and Oliver.

Cursory review of the above photo demonstrate how Oliver's pocket square pops in such a way that its pattern, and the colors therein, seem to compliment Shane's tailored, tea-length pink gown in just a way that signals a clear connection between the two absent much of the installment.

At the same time, the two are engaged in candid conversation and, not long after, share a dance, which, as we know, requires flawless synchronicity to execute. With heart, mind and wardrobe in sync, Shane and Oliver are free to pursue their relationship wherever the journey may lead.

Shane and Oliver's wardrobe story in From The Heart once again highlights the various levels of storytelling taking place inside the Signed, Sealed, Delivered canon at any given moment. In this instance, it served to tell the emotional stories of each Shane and Oliver individually, as well as further emphasize the relational struggle taking place between them on a more subtle level, allowing the wardrobe discord to resolve only once their relational problems did.

Love your wardrobe posts-- the intricate detail is so interesting!I Never thought of Shane's leather accents as her modern day armor, but that certainly fits! I thought it interesting that the first time their wardrobes synchronize,Oliver's crimson pocket square and Shane's bold outer scarf, happens during their meeting at the back of church when Shane presents the found valentine and they begin to resolve their misunderstanding. And it is this moment that became the poster art for From the Heart, art we all loved when it came out because you've taught us to look for color matches to suggest a connection between the characters, and we noticed it along with Oliver's obvious affectionate glance at Shane. How ironic that in 3/4 of the film, they are more disconnected than this poster suggests!

By the way, here's another request to add to your list of potential posts. The last time you analyzed posters was after Truth Be Told. I suggest you do a new analysis of poster art in the future to include Impossible Dream, From the Heart, and maybe the next two films,since they are likely to premier close together. POstables always enjoy your thoughts on this subject.

Reply

Stephanie

3/30/2016 01:34:49 pm

Hi fellow Postables,

I thought I would share some exciting news with everyone that I just discovered. I was on Christian Book Distributors earlier today, and you will never guess what I found...Signed Sealed Delivered From Paris With Love is coming out on DVD!!!! It is set to be released in July. I am so excited and I can't wait. Anyway I just thought everyone would like to know. And hopefully the others will soon follow on DVD!

Reply

Chandel

3/30/2016 03:40:32 pm

That is some excellent news! I will definitely be looking for some further sources to verify. Thanks so much for the lead!

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Ellen Abendschoen

3/31/2017 08:19:33 am

I bought this DVD just resently from Amazon.

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Leora Kemp

3/30/2016 07:51:46 pm

Chandel, thanks for another fine analysis that will give me more to look for the next time I watch From the Heart. And Stephanie, that is terrific news about From Paris With Love. I think the interest from all POstables surely had an influence in the decision to get on with bringing out more DVDs.

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Teresa

4/7/2016 05:32:25 pm

I always enjoy how you can compare the clothing choices to how their relationship is flowing at the time. I would never catch and understand it's relevance without your explaining it so clearly.